AU2017203963A1 - Aluminium cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capping for a panel or other building elements, the capping comprising a base; a fixing portion extending from the base for fixing the capping to the panel or other building elements; a sealing portion connected 5 to the fixing portion; and a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion. The capping is aesthetically pleasing, able to effectively prevent the ingress of water into the structure, and has an extended lifetime. 3237156vl Ict, N m r4N

Description

CAPPING EXTRUSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction. More 5 particularly, the invention relates to capping for use on buildings. Most particularly, the invention relates to capping for use with building panels.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an fO admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Structures, such as buildings, may be constructed using multiple panels that form an exterior of the structure to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Such panels are typically fastened to supports of the structure, such as timber or metal frames. It will be appreciated that junctions or joints 15 between such panels and/or other building materials must be sealed to prevent the ingress of water.

[0004] In such construction, a process known as capping is the application of a material over the edge of such panels which provides a weather-proof layer to prevent the ingress of water and thus prolongs the life of the panels. 20 Furthermore, capping reduces future maintenance by protecting the panel. The capping material can also provide an aesthetically pleasing fagade to aging trim and peeling paint of an existing construction.

[0005] Capping must be fastened to a panel to effectively secure and cover a panel and this capping is usually fastened or attached to the panel using 25 fasteners, such as screws, rivets or other fixings. However, such screws or fixings are generally visible and are not aesthetically pleasing.

[0006] As previously mentioned, capping is generally required for waterproofing. Another form of waterproofing is known as flashing, which refers

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 to thin piece(s) of impervious material that are utilized to prevent ingress of water into a structure via a joint or junction. Visible flashing is also not aesthetically pleasing, and so it will be appreciated that having no visible flashing is desirable.

[0007] Prior art flashings and capping typically have a shorter service lifetime, and are expensive and labour intensive to install effectively. This is undesirable as the initial cost and the cost of repairing or replacing such flashing and/or capping can be substantial. Furthermore, prior art flashings and capping can deteriorate and allow the ingress of water before being replaced. Additionally, incorrectly formed or installed prior art flashing and cappings can also allow the ingress of water. Water that has entered a structure via a joint or poorly installed flashing can cause mould, undermine the integrity of the structure, and shorten the lifetime of the structure. It should be clear that it would be advantageous to provide capping that has a longer lifetime compared to those available in the prior art.

[0008] Whilst a number of methods and types of flashings and capping are known, all of them have limitations, particularly in relation to being aesthetically pleasing and/or having an extended useful lifetime. Therefore, there is a need for cappings and/or flashings with a longer lifetime, that are easier and quicker to install, and/or that are more aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Generally, embodiments of the present invention reside in a capping which addresses water ingress whilst being aesthetically pleasing. In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention 25 resides in a capping for a panel or other building elements, the capping comprising:

a base;

a fixing portion extending from the base for fixing the capping to the panel or other building elements;

a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion; and a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion.

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 [0010] Preferably, the sealing portion comprises a recess to receive a gasket.

[0011] Suitably, the base comprises one or more protrusions that support the panel in a spaced apart relationship from the base.

[0012] Suitably, the base further comprises one or more weep holes to allow water to drain therethrough.

[0013] Preferably, the base further comprises at least one removable section. The at least one removable section is defined by one or more indentations or one or more lines of weakness that allows the removable section to be manually 10 removed or detached from the base.

[0014] Preferably, the cover conceals one or more fasteners, such as screw(s), used for fixing the capping to the panel.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing portion further comprises a cover recess that accommodates one or more fasteners.

[0016] Preferably, the cover recess comprises a flange and a nodule.

[0017] Preferably, the cover comprises a foot and a finger. The foot and finger cooperate with the flange and nodule to retain the cover.

[0018] Preferably, the recess of the sealing portion comprises two retaining members.

[0019] Preferably, the gasket comprises a flare. The flare cooperates with the at least two retaining members to retain the gasket in the recess.

[0020] Preferably, the base further comprises at least one fastener guide.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing portion further comprises at least one fastener guide.

[0022] Preferably, the base, the fixing portion and the sealing portion are integrally formed. The capping is suitably an extrusion.

[0023] In another form, the invention resides in a method of applying capping to a panel or other building element, the method including the steps of:

providing a capping comprising a base, a fixing portion extending from the base and a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion;

fixing the fixing portion to the panel or other building element; and attaching a cover to the fixing portion.

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 [0024] In another form, the invention resides in a method of manufacturing a capping for a panel or other building elements, the method including the steps of: extruding a capping comprising a base, a fixing portion extending from the base, and a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion; and extruding a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion.

[0025] Preferably, the capping is cut to a desired length.

[0026] Preferably, the cover is cut to a desired length.

[0027] Suitably, the method further includes the step of punching one or more weep holes into the base.

[0028] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person 20 skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a capping according to an embodiment of the invention without a cover;

Figure 2 shows the capping shown in Figure 1 with a removable section removed;

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the capping without a cover;

Figure 4 shows the capping shown in Figure 2 fixed to a panel with a cover, and an expanded view of the sealing portion;

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Figure 5 shows a perspective underside view of an embodiment of the capping being used with a panel; and

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the capping around a window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0031] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a capping for a panel and a method of applying the capping. Accordingly, the capping and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the 10 embodiments of the present invention, so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0032] In this specification, adjectives such as at least one, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from 15 another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0033] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a capping or method that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements 20 not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a capping or method.

[0034] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0035] As previously mentioned, there is a need for capping with an extended useful lifetime and/or that is more aesthetically pleasing. The present invention is predicated on a capping for panels comprising a cover that is aesthetically pleasing, able to effectively prevent the ingress of water into a structure, and has a longer usable lifetime than prior art cappings. It will be 30 appreciated that the present capping is described in capping a panel. In this

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 regard, it will also be appreciated that the present capping can be used with other building elements, building products and materials.

[0036] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a capping for a panel comprising a base and a 5 fixing portion extending from the base for fixing the capping to the panel. The capping further comprises a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion and a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an example of a capping 100 in the form of an extrusion without a cover. The base 110 abuts a panel (shown in Figure 4), and 10 the fixing portion 120 extends from the base 110 such that the base 110 and fixing portion 120 cover at least a corner of the panel. The fixing portion 120 facilitates fixing of the capping 100 to the panel. The sealing portion 140 is connected to the fixing portion 120 and provides a seal with the panel when the capping 100 is fixed to the panel.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the fixing portion 120 comprises at least one fastener guide 121 that assists in locating a fastener and thus fixing the capping 100 to a panel. In this regard, it should be clear that a fastener, such as a screw, will be visible from the exterior of the capping 100 and this is undesirable. The inventor has therefore designed the fixing portion 120 such that 20 a cover 130 can be used to conceal the at least one fastener. In this regard, the fixing portion 120 comprises a cover recess 124 that accommodates the at least one fastener. The cover recess 124 also allows the cover 130 to be attached thereto (as described in detail hereinafter). As a result, the cover 130 conceals the fastener 125 and the capping 100 is more aesthetically pleasing, as shown in 25 Figure 4.

[0039] Figures 1,2 and 4 show an embodiment of capping 100, and Figure 3 shows another embodiment of capping 100.ln Figure 4, the capping 100 is provided with a cover 130. The cover 130 and the fixing portion 120 are formed such that the cover 130 is securely retained in the cover recess 124. This 30 ensures that the cover 130 is not accidentally dislodged. Preferably, the cover 130 clips into the cover recess 124. For example, the clip may have a

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 complimentary shape to the cover recess 124. As can be seen in Figure 4, the cover recess 124 comprises a flange 122 that creates a recess for receiving foot 131 of the cover 130. The cover recess 124 further comprises a nodule 123 that creates another recess for receiving finger 132 of the cover 130. This ensures 5 that the foot 131 and the finger 132 of the cover 130 cooperate respectively with the flange 122 and nodule 123 of the cover recess 124 to retain the cover 130.

[0040] Typically, fasteners that fix capping to a panel are formed of materials that corrode when exposed to the environment. It is an advantage of the capping 100 of the present invention that the cover 130 protects the fastener 125 from 10 the harsh environment and prolongs the useable life of the fasteners. Preferably, the cover 130 sealingly engages with the fixing portion 120 to prevent the ingress of water. It will be appreciated that the cover 130 can be removed so that the fasteners 125 can be inspected, and/or removed and replaced.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fixing portion 120 can further comprise 15 spacing protrusions 126 that extend from an inner wall of the fixing portion 120 and space the panel from the inner wall of the fixing portion 120. The spacing protrusions 126 ensure that there is a small space between the fixing portion 120 and the panel so that condensation and/or water is allowed to flow towards the base 110. The spacing protrusions 126 ensure that the panel and the fixing 20 portion 120 are in a spaced apart relationship. Furthermore, the spacing protrusions 126 also allow for condensation to occur thereon, and the condensation subsequently flows toward the base 110.

[0042] The base 110 can comprise one or more protrusions 111 projecting away from the base 110. The protrusions 111 prevent the panel from sitting 25 directly on the base 110 itself. In other words, the panel is in a spaced apart relationship with the base 110 when the panel is supported by the protrusions

111. This spaced apart relationship between the base 110 and the panel is advantageous because any water that enters via a joint or junction, either through leakage or condensation, will not be in prolonged contact with the panel.

In this regard, the panel is situated above the base 110 so that water will collect on the base 110 and below the panel. This alleviates the problem of water undermining the integrity of the panel and construction.

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 [0043] Protrusions 111 are located along a length of the base 110 such that the weight of a panel is distributed over a number of protrusions 111. This ensures that the panel is stably supported by the protrusions 111. Preferably, a protrusion 111 is located on the base 110 a distance from the fixing portion 120 5 and another protrusion is located adjacent the junction of the base 110 and the fixing portion 120 to ensure that the panel is adequately supported, as shown in

Figure 3. Alternatively, a protrusion 111a can be formed on the inner wall of the fixing portion 120 to support the panel, as shown in Figures 1,2 and 4.

[0044] The protrusions can be shaped such that the protrusions have a flat 10 surface that supports the panel, or an angled surface that supports the panel.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of capping 100 where the protrusions 111 have a flat panel-supporting surface. Alternatively, Figures 1, 2 and 4show an embodiment of capping 100 where the protrusions 111, 111a and 111b (mentioned in detail hereinafter) have an angled panel-supporting surface.

Suitably, the angled protrusions can be angled between about 5^Q and about 20^Q, more suitably between about 5^Q and about 15^Q, preferably between about 7- and about 12^Q, and most preferably about 10^Q with respect to the base. This angle assists in condensation and water runaway.

[0045] Advantageously, the base 110 further comprises one or more weep 20 holes 112 (shown in Figure 5). The weep holes 112 are apertures that allow for water that may collect on the base 110 to drain therethrough. This assists in alleviating the problem of water undermining the integrity of the structure. It will be appreciated that even if the sealing portion 140 fails and water enters the structure, these weep holes 112 will allow the water to quickly drain away. The 25 weep holes 112 can suitably be punched into the base 110 when required. The weep holes 112 can be defined by lines of weakness that allow for the weep holes 112 to be punched out of the base 110.

[0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that panels are available in many different dimensions. In this regard, prior art capping must be specifically designed for each panel with a different depth. For instance, capping that has a base that has a greater depth than the depth of a panel cannot be used because the capping cannot fit in the available space. A solution to this

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 problem is to provide multiple cappings that have specific depths. However, this requires many products to accommodate the many panels with different depths.

[0047] The inventor has recognized that by providing a base 110 comprising at least one removable section 113 (as shown in Figures 1 and 3), capping 100 5 of the present invention can be utilized with a number of panels with different depths. The at least one removable section 113 can be manually removed or detached from the base 110. As such, consumers can utilize the capping 100 of the present invention with a number of different panels with varying depths, and this saves time and effort in locating the appropriate capping for a panel with a 10 specific width.

[0048] The at least one removable section 113 is defined by one or more features that facilitate removal of the removable sections 113. Such features include lines of weakness, perforations, openings, grooves or slits that allow the removable section 113 to be manually removed or detached from the base 110.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, this feature is suitably an indentation 114.

[0049] Preferably, a protrusion 111 is located near an indentation 114 so that a protrusion 111 is generally located adjacent a distal end of the base 110 regardless of whether a removable section 113 has been removed. This allows for the panel to be sufficiently supported by the protrusions 111 regardless of the 20 depth of the capping 100. Shown in Figure 2 is the capping of Figure 1 with the removable section 113 removed.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the indentations 114 may need to be further weakened before the removable section 113 is removed or detached from the base 110. In this regard, the indentation 114 can provide flexibility between the 25 removable section 113 and the base 110. This flexibility allows the angle between the removable section 113 and the base 110 to be modified. As such, the removable section 113 can be angled to provide another barrier to the ingress of water and/or material. For example, the removable section 113 of the capping 100 shown in Figure 3 can be angled such that the removable section 30 113 abuts the panel whilst still attached to the base 110.

[0051] Shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 is an embodiment of the capping 100

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 comprising a removable section 113. In this example, the removable section 113 comprises an additional protrusion 111b to provide further stability to a panel. The additional protrusion 111b provides further stability when the removable section 113 is not removed. Furthermore, in this example, the base 110 is 5 provided with condensation protrusions 150 that project from the base 110. The condensation protrusions 150 project away from the side of the base 110 not bearing protrusions 111, 111 and 111b. The condensation protrusions 150 act as drip edges in that water tension is broken from rain and condensation which subsequently drips away from the panel. It will be appreciated that the rain and 10 condensation will also drip away from building frames and integrated building elements such as windows and door frames. Preferably, capping 100 further comprises support protrusions 151 on the opposite side of the base 110 to the drip protrusion 150 (i.e., on the same side as protrusion 111, 111a and 111b).

Support protrusions 151 provide further support to the panel. The condensation 15 protrusions 150 and the support protrusion 151 together form a handle that assists the consumer in manually removing or detaching the removable section 113 from the base 110. In this regard, the handle can be utilized whilst removing or detaching the removable section 113. The condensation protrusions 150 are also known as drip edge protrusions.

[0052] The base 110 can further comprise a fastener guide 115 that assists in securing the base 110 to a support. For instance, the fastener guide 115 directs a fastener through the base 110 and into the support. Preferably, the spaced apart relationship between the base 110 and the panel is greater than the head of the faster so that the panel is supported by the protrusions and does 25 not contact the fastener.

[0053] Connection of the sealing portion 140 to the fixing portion 120 enables a water-tight seal to be formed between the capping 100 and the panel. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 140 comprises a recess 141 to receive a gasket 160 or similar. It will be appreciated that other sealing mechanisms can be 30 utilized in the present capping. For instance, silicon can be used with capping 100. In this regard, the recess 141 can be filled with silicon so that when the capping 100 is fixed to the panel, the silicon forms a seal with the panel.

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 [0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the recess 141 is formed of an upper wall 146, a lower wall 147 and a side wall 148. The upper wall 146 and lower wall

147 extend from the side wall 148 to form the recess 141. The upper wall 146 does not extend beyond the lower wall 147. This allows the gasket 160 or similar to fill the space between the upper wall 146 and the panel. As the gasket 160 is pushed against the panel, the gasket 160 fills the space between the upper wall

146 and the panel, and this ensures that the gasket 160 creates a seal between the upper wall 146 and the panel so that water does not enter and collect in the recess 141.

[0055] The recess 141 can further comprise retaining members 142 that form recesses for receiving at least part of the gasket 160. An upper retaining member 142 extends from the upper wall 146 into the recess 141, and a lower retaining member 142 extends from the lower wall 147 into the recess 141.

These recesses cooperate with the gasket 160 and assist in retaining the gasket 15 160 in the recess 141. The gasket 160 can further comprise a flare 161 that cooperates with the retaining members 142. The flare 161 is retained in the recess 141 between the upper and lower retaining members 142 and side wall

148 to retain the gasket 160 within the recess 141, as shown in the expanded sealing portion 140 of Figure 4. As a result, the gasket 160 sits securely in the recess 141 while the capping 100 is being fixed to a panel.

[0056] As shown in the expanded view of the sealing portion 140 in Figure 4, the gasket 160 comprises a flare 161 and a member that sealingly abuts the panel. In this embodiment, the member that sealingly abuts the panel has a generally semi-circular shape. In other words, the gasket 160 is a bubble gasket 25 162. The bubble gasket 162, when pushed against the panel, is able to deform such that it fills the space between the upper wall 146 and the panel. Furthermore, the gasket 162 can also fill decorative profiles formed in the panel. Therefore, the capping 100 can be utilized with panels with decorative profiles formed therein.

[0057] In another embodiment, the member that abuts the panel has a Cshaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section provides two points of contact with the panel and thus forms two seals with the panel. The C-shaped

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 cross section utilizes less material than a normal gasket, and reduces the amount of material required for the gasket. In yet another embodiment, the member that sealingly abuts the panel is a blade gasket.

[0058] During fixing of the capping 100, the sealing portion 140 is pushed 5 towards the panel and the sealing portion 140 pushes the gasket 160, retained in the recess 141, against the panel which effectively forms a seal with the panel. It will be appreciated that the gasket 160 can be formed of any flexible and/or deformable material, such as plastic or rubber. Preferably, the gasket is formed of thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoplastic vulcanizer [0059] It should be clear that the gasket 160 is substantially hidden by the sealing portion of the capping 100. In this regard, visible flashing is undesirable as it detracts from the aesthetics of the faqade and so it is advantageous that the capping 100 of the present invention does not exhibit visible flashing.

[0060] The fixing portion 120 extends from the base 110 at a predetermined 15 angle. The predetermined angle is suitably between about 75^Q and about 105^Q, more suitably between about 80^Q and about 100^Q, preferably between about 85^Q and about 95^Q, and most preferably about 90^Q. The capping 100 is generally used to cover a corner of a panel which is generally about 90^Q. However, it will be appreciated that the fixing portion 120 and the base 110 can be formed at any 20 desired angle depending on the shape of the panel that is to be utilized with the capping. In this regard, if the corner of the panel deviates from 90^Q then the predetermined angle can be changed to accommodate this deviation.

[0061] Suitably, the capping is formed of steel, plastic and/or aluminium.

Preferably, the capping is formed of aluminium. Preferably, the base 110, the 25 fixing portion 120 and the sealing portion 140 are integrally formed. Preferably, the capping 100 is in the form of an extrusion which can be extruded to the required length and cut to the required length.

[0062] The capping 100 has been described in the orientation where the base 110 supports the panel for convenience, as shown in Figure 5. However, it 30 will also be appreciated that the capping 100 may be orientated to cover a top edge of a panel and/or side edge of a panel. As shown in Figure 6, an

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 embodiment of the capping 100 is utilized around a window. As shown in this figure, cappings 100 have been utilized around a window on all four sides. In this example, only a small amount of sealant is required to seal the joints where the cappings 100 meet. This is a simple method of forming a seal that prevents the 5 ingress of water around a window. It will be appreciated that capping 100 can also be applied to a number of different applications, such as in the sills, headers and jambs of walls, doors, and windows.

[0063] According to another form, the present invention resides in a method of applying capping to a panel. The method includes the steps of providing a 10 capping 100 comprising a base 110, a fixing portion 120 extending from the base

110 and a sealing portion 140 connected to the fixing portion 120. The method includes fixing the fixing portion 120 to the panel and attaching a cover 130 to the fixing portion 120.

[0064] In embodiments where the sealing portion 140 comprises a recess 15 141 to receive a gasket 160, the method further includes the step of placing a gasket 160 in the recess 141.

[0065] The capping 100, the base 110, the fixing portion 120, the sealing portion 140, the gasket 160 and the cover 130 are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0066] As previously mentioned, the fixing of the fixing portion 120 to the panel pushes the gasket 160 into the panel to form a seal that prevents the ingress of water.

[0067] In embodiments where the capping 100 further comprises a removable section 113 defined by indentations 114 and/or lines of weakness, the 25 method further includes the step of removing or detaching a removable section

113 from the base 110. This allows the depth of the base 110 to be adjusted based on the depth of the panel.

[0068] The method can further include the step of punching weep holes 112 into the base 110. The weep holes 112 allow for water to drain therethrough.

[0069] According to a further form, the present invention resides in a method

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2017203963 13 Jun 2017 of producing a capping 100 for a panel. The method includes the steps of extruding a capping 100 comprising a base 110, a fixing portion 120 extending from the base 110 and a sealing portion 140 connected to the fixing portion 120 and extruding a cover 130 removably attachable to the fixing portion 120.

[0070] In one embodiment, the capping 100 is formed by extruding the capping through a die. The resultant extruded capping is then cut to the desired length. The cover 130 is separately extruded and also cut to the desired length.

[0071] The weep holes 112 can suitably be punched into the capping, if required.

[0072] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (15)

1. A capping for a panel or other building elements, the capping comprising: a base;

5 a fixing portion extending from the base for fixing the capping to the panel or other building elements;

a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion; and a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion,

2. The capping of claim 1, wherein the sealing portion comprises a recess to receive a gasket.

3. The capping of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base comprises one or more protrusions that support the panel or other building elements in a spaced apart relationship from the base.

4. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base further comprises one or more weep holes.

5. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base further comprises at least one removable section.

6. The capping of claim 5, wherein each removable section is defined by one or more indentations or one or more lines of weakness.

7. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover conceals one or more fasteners used for fixing the capping to the panel or other building elements.

8. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion further comprises a cover recess that accommodates one or more fasteners.

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9. The capping of claim 8, wherein the cover recess of the fixing portion comprises a flange and a nodule.

10. The capping of claim 9, wherein the cover comprises a foot and a finger

5 that cooperate with the flange and nodule to retain the cover.

11. The capping of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the recess of the sealing portion comprises two retaining members.

10

12.The capping of claim 14, wherein the gasket comprises a flare that cooperates with the at least two retaining members to retain the gasket in the recess.

13. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base further

15 comprises at least one fastener guide.

14. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion comprises at least one fastener guide.

20 15.The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base, the fixing portion and the sealing portion are integrally formed.

16. The capping of any one of proceeding claims, wherein the capping is an extrusion.

17. The capping of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion extends away from the base at an angle of about 90^Q.

18. A method of applying capping to a panel or other building elements, the

30 method including the steps of:

providing capping comprising a base, a fixing portion extending from the base and a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion;

fixing the fixing portion to the panel or other building elements; and attaching a cover to the fixing portion.

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19. The method of claim 18, including the step of placing a gasket in a recess of the sealing portion.

20. A method of manufacturing a capping for a panel or other building

5 elements, the method including the steps of:

extruding a capping comprising a base, a fixing portion extending from the base, and a sealing portion connected to the fixing portion; and extruding a cover removably attachable to the fixing portion.

10 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the capping is cut to a desired length.

22.The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the cover is cut to a desired length.

15 23.The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, further including the step of punching one or more weep holes into the base.